Only 21% of Asia Pacific companies have adopted a strategic sustainability approach. Data integration remains the biggest challenge. Technology modernization is essential: Asia Pacific companies are prioritizing technology upgrades to advance their sustainability goals. Leadership engagement is key: A comprehensive approach by executives from all functions is essential for sustainability success.
IBM's Executive Sustainability Technology Guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for Asia Pacific businesses to leverage technology for sustainability. Despite the growing importance of sustainability practices, only 21% of organizations in the region have adopted a strategic approach, according to a new whitepaper from IBM and Ecosystm.
The report highlights that almost half (48%) of organisations struggle to integrate automation and AI systems data with corporate data, which is essential for leveraging AI to deliver real-time insight into sustainability impact. Hans Dekkers, general manager, IBM Asia Pacific, said: “Technology is essential to operationalise sustainability. IBM solutions and services are helping organisations across the region harness the power of data and AI to deliver sustainable positive impact that also drives business value.”
According to IBM research, 53% of businesses are upgrading to newer, more efficient infrastructure to reduce their carbon footprint. This modernization is a key step in aligning technology with sustainability efforts. But Sash Mukherjee, vice president of industry insights at Ecosystm, emphasizes the need for a structured approach, saying, “Organizations that embrace technology-driven sustainability decisions can transform sustainability from a cost center to a value driver, ensuring long-term business success while leaving a positive environmental legacy.”
The white paper also notes that there's a significant gap in executive engagement across business units: 70% of CEOs in the region are driving the sustainability agenda, but only 22% have a dedicated Chief Sustainability Officer. To close the gap between IT and business units, the report suggests, CIOs, CFOs and COOs need to work closely together to align their departmental goals with sustainability objectives.
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The guide proposes a three-tiered framework for sustainability: data-driven goal setting, building a robust data foundation, and embedding sustainable practices into workflows. Adopting this approach can help leaders craft compelling sustainability stories, effectively manage risks, and foster stakeholder trust. Mukherjee adds: “By following the guide's three-tiered, technology-driven sustainability framework and checklist, Asia Pacific leaders can craft compelling, data-driven sustainability stories that inspire action, manage risks, and build stakeholder trust.”
By effectively leveraging technology, businesses in Asia Pacific can turn sustainability challenges into opportunities, realizing long-term success and positive environmental impact.
